TEMPERANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7693, 19 July 1886, Page 11

TEMPERANCE.

NEW ZEALAND TEMPERANCE ALLIANCE. The first of a series of meetings under the auspices of the New Zealand Alliance was held in the Baptist Church, Ponsonby, on the 2Sch June. The chair was occupied by Mr. F. G. Ewington. Sir William Fox, who was greeted with acclamation, said he could not lay claim to being an orator or philosopher, and did not intend to deal with the question from these standpoints; but, as a practical man, be wished to place before his hearers some practical means whereby they might be able successfully to cope with the terrible national disease of intemperance. One of these methods was to take the man from the drink, and the other to take the drink from the man. In the course of his address he referred to a number of interesting incidents that he had met with in his personal experience, illustrative of the miseries incurred through intemperance, and the rescue work of temperance societies, and upon resuming his seat he was loudly applauded. Mr. T. W. Glovkr (Alliance agent) receired a hearty welcome from the audience. He said that as it was the first meeting under the New Zealand Alliaoce since its complete formation, he could not do better than to explain the principles upon which it was founded. Ho concluded with an earnest appeal to all present to join and do their best to forward the interests of the Alliance. Meetings were held each night at different halls during the week. The Auckland Band of Hope Union Choir produced the new cantata " The Conquest of Drink," in St. James' Hall, Wellingtonstreet, on the sth July. Sir William Fox, who was in the chair, was briefly introduced by Mr. D. Goldie. The cantata was preceded by a miscellaneous concert, which was opened with a glee by the choir. The general concert, and the final chorus (from Mercadante), "Now we've sung our temperance song," brought to a conclusion a splendidly rendered cantata, and one which, conducted under the skilful baton of Mr. R. Tudehopo, deserved a much larger audience. Votes of thanks being passed, the singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a conclusion. The filth annual meeting of the Mount Albert Total Abstinence Society was held on the 12th July in the Wealeyan schoolroom, Mount Albert, the Rev. J. King Davis (president) in the chair. There was a good attendance, and the proceedings were of a most satisfactory character throughout. Eloquent and forceful addresses on the advantages of total abstinence and the necessity for increased and vigilant action were delivered by the chairman and the Rev. C. H. Garland. Songs, duets, choruses, etc., were rendered by members of the temperance choir. Recitations by Miss Olphert and Mr. J. Astley were also given. The officers and committee—consisting of the Rev. J. King Davis (president), Mr. J. T. Garlick (vice-president), Mesdames Battley, Garlick, Harbutt, Randerson, and Schnackenberg, and Messrs. James, Sellers, Spragg, Smith, and Wood—were re-elected, on the motion of Messrs. Randerson and Tucker.